Photo Flash: First Look at THE STONE WITCH At Theatre NOVA

Theatre NOVA, Ann Arbor's professional theatre with an exclusive focus on new plays and playwrights, presents the Michigan premiere of "The Stone Witch" by Shem Bitterman.

"Extraordinary art must be tamed," says reclusive genius Simon Grindberg, the world's most illustrious children's book writer. But, holed up in a remote cabin with his next masterpiece a decade overdue, it's not clear who is the master and who is the servant. When Peter Chandler, a starving artist with literary aspirations of his own, is hired to help "The Great Man" finish his overdue book, an unlikely friendship ensues, haunting secrets emerge, and the lines of reality begin to blur. Ultimately, both men must face the terrifying beast dwelling in the dark forest, in a struggle for their artistry, their sanity, and their souls.

Directed by Nancy Kammer, "The Stone Witch" features Dennis Kleinsmith, Ethan Kankula, and Diane Hill. The production team includes Forrest Hejkal (scenic design), Jeff Alder (lighting design), Harper Wildern (art projection) Haley Cook (costume design), Carla Milarch (sound design), and Alona Shewach (stage manager).

"The Stone Witch" will run October 19 through November 11, 2018, at Theatre NOVA (410 W. Huron, Ann Arbor), a downtown performance space. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Theatre NOVA features free parking for patrons, as well as quick access to the city's restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops.

Tickets are $22, and Theatre NOVA continues its commitment to making theatre accessible by offering pay-what-you-can tickets for those who need them. For tickets, visit TheatreNOVA.org, call 734-635-8450 (Tuesdays through Fridays from noon until 3 p.m.), or buy them in person at the box office one hour before show time.

Theatre NOVA is Ann Arbor's resident professional theatre company. Its mission is to raise awareness of the value and excitement of new plays and playwrights and provide resources for playwrights to develop their craft by importing, exporting, and developing new work.

Shem Bitterman Plays: "Harm's Way" (PEN USA Award), "The Job" (LA Drama Critic Circle's Best New Play Award), "Peephole" (Davie Award), "The Ramp" (SCR California Playwrights Award), "Beijing Legends" (The Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award), "Ten Below" (National Play Award), "Iowa Boys" (CBS/FDG New Play Program Award), "Open House," "A Death in Colombia," "Influence," "Man.gov," "The Circle," "Sensitive Skin," "Justice and Night-Side." Films; "Whitney" (Image Award nominee), "Betty & Coretta" (Humanitas Award nominee), "The Job," "Play Dead," "Full Count," "Open House," "Tinsletown" and "Out of the Rain." Shem founded and runs Play LA in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Golden Record Media Company